CULLMAN, Ala. – Tree City USA is a program of the Arbor Day Foundation that honors cities and towns across the United States for their commitment to tree planting and care. Recently, the City of Cullman was honored with the Tree City USA Growth Award.
The award recognizes municipalities within the Tree City USA program that have demonstrated an exemplary increase in their urban forest management efforts during the past year. Cullman achieved this recognition by taking an active role in increasing its educational programs, incorporating new and existing workshops, engaging residents in planting and education initiatives and more.
“The Growth Award is a huge accomplishment,” said Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs. “The Tree Commission has worked hard to earn this award that goes along with our 35th year as being a Tree City USA.”
In total, more than 3,200 communities across America participate in the Tree City USA program. To qualify for recognition as a Tree City USA, each city or town must have a tree board or commission, develop a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita and hold an Arbor Day celebration.
While over 3,000 communities are deemed as a Tree City USA, less than 500 qualify for the Growth Award. In Alabama, Cullman is only the fifth municipality to receive the award and the only community in north Alabama.
Cullman has had an established Tree Commission for over 30 years and has been named a Tree City USA for 35 consecutive years. However, in the past year, the City has taken further steps to increase its commitment to tree planting and conservation.
The City is committed to continuing its efforts to promote healthy urban forests now and into the future. With new members on the Tree Commission, working in partnership with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Office and Alabama Forestry Commission and new programs focused on public education and outreach, Cullman plans to continue expanding its successful urban forestry initiatives.
